Such a framework would enable DFAT to better demonstrate that its arrangements are fit-for-purpose. DFAT has not established a crisis management framework that shows how its arrangements and processes operate together as an integrated crisis response system. Supporting findings Crisis preparedness (Chapter 2)ġ0. DFAT’s crisis management policies and activities align with whole-of-government requirements. While policy advice to the government was largely appropriate, DFAT’s reporting to government on its return of Australians could not be verified by the ANAO. The pandemic has highlighted weaknesses in responding to standard and complex, and large-scale crises. There is scope to strengthen crisis management planning, capability development and assurance processes over DFAT’s crisis management capability.ĩ. DFAT applied its crisis management arrangements to support the return of Australians and adapted these to deliver a new program of flights and financial assistance. While crisis management arrangements align with whole-of-government requirements, DFAT lacks a defined crisis management framework and mature preparedness policies. DFAT’s underlying crisis management structures and capabilities require strengthening to ensure it is prepared to respond to future major and complex crises.Ĩ. DFAT’s preparedness to manage complex crises before the onset of the pandemic was partly effective. Has DFAT responded effectively to achieve the government’s objectives for managing the return of overseas Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic?ħ. DFAT adapted its crisis management arrangements and established a new program of activity to provide assistance to a large number of overseas Australians affected by COVID-19, although it did not meet key government objectives.Was DFAT appropriately prepared to manage the return of overseas Australians, as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic?.To form a conclusion against the objective, the ANAO adopted the following high-level audit criteria: Audit objective and criteriaĦ. The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of DFAT’s overseas crisis management and response arrangements in meeting the government’s objectives for returning Australians from overseas in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. It was conducted under phase two of the ANAO’s multi-year strategy that focuses on the effective, efficient, economical and ethical delivery of the Australian Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 3 The current performance audit examines DFAT’s crisis management arrangements in detail. There is strong public and parliamentary interest in gaining assurance over DFAT’s ability to manage the government’s response to COVID-19, as well as other international crises.ĥ. Aspects of DFAT’s crisis management capabilities were reviewed by the ANAO in 2015 as part of an audit of its provision of consular services. Rationale for undertaking the auditĤ. The COVID-19 pandemic and the pace and scale of the Australian Government’s response impacts on the risk environment faced by the Australian public sector. As the pandemic remains present worldwide, this report is a point in time assessment of DFAT’s management of the return of overseas Australians in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2ģ. DFAT’s response to COVID-19 has included providing Australians overseas with access to flights to return to Australia and financial assistance. Under the AGCMF, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is responsible for providing consular and crisis management services to Australians overseas. 1Ģ. The Australian Government Crisis Management Framework (AGCMF) sets out standing arrangements for coordinating whole-of-government emergency responses for which the Commonwealth Government has responsibility. Border closures led to a significant contraction in international air traffic and reduced options for Australians seeking to return to Australia. Measures implemented throughout the world to limit its spread have affected Australians and Australian interests overseas. 1. Since its emergence in late 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic that continues to impact on human health and national economies.
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